Poori / Puri

Poori / Puri

Poori or Puri are a form of fried bread that are very popular across India. They are a staple accompaniment for breakfast or other meals, and frequently had just by themselves as a snack. I have wonderful memories of assisting my Aunt in frying pooris while she rolled and cut them out, and am still thrilled to see them puff up in the hot oil. Here's a very simple recipe for making these delicious fried bread.

2 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup rice flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 - 3 tablespoon oil
cutting mold/mould
oil for deep frying

1. Sift the two flours into a large bowl and add in the salt and 2 - 3 tablespoon oil.

2. Knead the mix by adding a little water at a time until you have a firm dough ball. Cover and let it rest for around 15 minutes.

3. Pick the cutting mold/mould that you are going to use. You need something that is approximately 3 - 4 inches in diameter. The shape can be entirely up to you.

4. Roll out the dough into a large sheet, and cut out the desired shape.

5. Place onto a lined tray, and cover with a damp cloth while you do the next batch. Note: it is important that the dough does not dry out.

6. Heat oil for deep frying almost to the point of where it's smoking hot. Place one of the cut pooris into the hot oil and lightly press down on it using the back of your frying ladle until it starts to puff up. Press down on the part that starts to puff up to force the steam to expand to other parts of the poori. The reaction is quite automatic and just needs some getting used to. Note: It is crucial for the oil to be smoking hot for this step.

7. Once the pooris fluff up, they will pretty much flip themselves over. If they do not, you will have to help them flip over and fry for a few more seconds until they are golden brown in colour. Start to finish, the frying process should take approximately 30 seconds per poori.

8. Remove to a paper towel lined tray to drain off any excess oil. The pooris do not retain too much oil due to the quick fry method.

9. Serve hot along with your favourite vegetable or curry, or just have a few by themselves as a snack at tea time.



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